Have you ever been stuck? Caught in patterns of behavior or circumstances that you just could not seem to change? It can be miserable, aggravating, and even burdensome to feel like you can’t find the way out. We all have this experience at some point in our lives.
God knows that about us. He knows our weaknesses and our failings, but he does not abandon us in our misery. We know this about God because of Christmas–because he sent his Son, Jesus, to walk among us.
Before the first Christmas, the world was stuck in evil and doomed to repeat generations of oppressive behavior. Even God’s people committed horrible sins and could not break through into righteous living for a very long time. Then, Jesus came to earth. Finally, humanity had the perfect image of what a sinless person could be. His love was pure. His mercy was boundless. His words were wise, and his work was effective. Jesus put God’s glory on display in everything he did and said.
Because of Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection, you have been given a choice. You can imitate your Savior by faith in him, or you can go back to the old ways of living. You can demonstrate that God is the source of your motivations and behaviors. Or you can forget all about him and live by your own standards. John made clear in his first letter that you will never imitate Jesus perfectly on earth. Still, Jesus broke us out of the evil that enveloped the world. He is the way for us to be made righteous.
Respond
Name one aspect of your life that Jesus has changed since you came to know him. Thank him for breaking the chains of evil in your life. Tell him that you embrace the purifying work of his Spirit in your life.
Engage with Kids
Explain that sin is doing things my way instead of God's way. Work together to name an example of how we could choose our way and an example of how we could choose God's way in each of these parts of celebrating Christmas: gifts, calendar (scheduling our time), food, worship, parties/gatherings. Help kids see that doing things God's way shows his love to others and shows that we are his children.
Week 1 Family Worship
READ 1 John 4:7–12
PRAY Praise God because he is love. He always loves perfectly. Ask God for his love to fill your hearts and overflow to those around you.
SING “Love Came Down at Christmas”
Make-It-Stick Activity
Make a plan for your family to show love to others together this weekend. This could be friends, neighbors, or someone in your community. Here are some ideas:
● Shop together for gifts for one of our local partners or a program like Angel Tree, Operation Christmas Child, etc. Talk about how the kid(s) who receives gifts from you may never know who you are, but they (or their grownups) can still experience God's love through your giving.
● Make cookies or other treats and hand-deliver to neighbors, nursing home residents, or another intentionally chosen group. Use the opportunity to wish people a Merry Christmas and share why you are excited to celebrate this season.
● Help kids give away a special gift to their class, team, or neighborhood friends. Depending on your budget, this could be something lasting like a book about the Nativity, or something as simple as handmade cards. Either way, emphasize helping kids share why Christmas is special to them.
● Go caroling! This is a great chance to sing Christmas hymns, give out inviter cards for Christmas services, or even share the gospel with a captive audience.
● Get creative! You can show love in many different ways. Find what works for your family.